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One of the best things about owning a Harris pontoon boat is the ability to put it on a trailer, hook it up to your tow vehicle and set off in search of adventure this summer.
Torch Lake in Michigan
Torch Lake is located at the top of Michigan’s “mitten” not far from Great Traverse Bay, which is connected to Lake Michigan. Head north up highway 31 from Traverse City. It’s a 2.5-hour drive from Grand Rapids.
What makes it special?
If you’ve ever had a fantasy of taking your pontoon to the Caribbean, you can make your dreams come true a lot closer to home at Torch Lake. The clear water is a spectacular turquoise color that owes its hue to the lack of phytoplankton there, as is the case in the tropics. The lake itself is deep but features a necklace of sandbars that ring the lake. At the southern end is the most famous sandbar that can host hundreds of boats or more on the weekend in summer and is a magnet for the 4th of July weekend. The quaint towns of Alden and Torch Lake, Eastport, and Bellaire offer shopping and waterfront dining.
Access to the water
There are six main boat ramps and numerous marinas that ring its 19-mile length.
Where to stay
This part of Michigan is a mecca for tourists and has numerous waterfront properties for rent as well as small motels and resorts. Torch Lake is part of a chain of lakes that increases your housing options. Being a popular destination means you should secure reservations well in advance.
Best website to learn more.
Crab Island in Destin, Florida
Located in the Panhandle of Florida between Pensacola and Panama Beach, it’s a short drive south of Interstate 10.
What makes it special?
Few places have the party vibe of Crab Island, which is a bit of a misnomer because it’s a sandbar, not an island. While its shallow waters can hold more than a thousand boats, it’s big enough to allow boaters to claim their own space if they want to spread out a little. During incoming tides, the water is a stunning emerald color and its sandy bottom is perfect for wading around. Numerous barrier islands are perfect for beaching.
Access to the water
There are more than a dozen boat ramps on Choctawhatchee Bay where Crab Island is located.
Where to stay
There are lots of condos in the area that are for rent along with small motels. This area is more budget-friendly than most beachfront communities in Florida and there are lots of tourist attractions to keep everyone entertained.
Best website to learn more.
Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri
Table Rock Lake is located in the Ozarks of southwest Missouri, an hour's drive south of Springfield.
What makes it special?
It’s a huge lake with 800 miles of shoreline with little development, making it very secluded and scenic. It’s the perfect lake for getting away from it all. There is excellent fishing for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass with little angler pressure. If the family is up for some entertainment, Branson is home to many tourist attractions and glitzy shows.
Access to the water
There are nine U.S. Army Corp of Engineers-maintained boat ramps and most marinas also have one.
Where to stay
Consider renting a houseboat for your stay and making it your base of operations from which to explore with your Harris boat. There are also many waterfront resorts with dockage.
Best website to learn more.
More awesome lakes to go pontooning on this summer
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